Well, I did it! My last good run was on 8 March then on the 10th my back pain got worse and I developed sciatica that stopped my legs working properly. I missed the Bath Half as I could not run even 2 miles the day before it. Tried running several times after but 2 miles at a slow pace was my limit. When it became clear that there was no chance of me being on the start line I started taking the bicalutamide.
Then two weeks before the marathon, when I got the email asking me to confirm my attendance, I managed a 6 mile run and a couple of days later a slow and uncomfortable 10 miler. As I had prepaid the travel and accommodation and I could not defer again I decided to join the PCUK team on the start line and started a JustGiving page.
With the effects of the HT, the lack of training and continuing back problems I thought that I had no chance of finishing.
The first 6 miles went quite well but thereafter the back pain slowed my pace. I kept plodding away and to my surprise I went over Tower Bridge and past the half way point. When I got to 19 miles I thought I would be able to finish and even had thoughts of upping the pace in the last 5 miles but soon after my pace suddenly dropped another minute per mile. From then on it was a matter of survival. I crossed the finish line in 3'45'43" with a strange sense of relief and astonishment that despite all my troubles I made it to the finish.
It was great to meet up with the PCUK runners and supporters after the event and to talk other runners and the PCUK staff. So far I have raised about £1200.
I've got a bigger challenge to face now; I started RT yesterday. I'm hoping that I get through it without too much damage and that I can make a comeback to competitive sport next year.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-wheddon1